Launch and seminar: Arctic Test Arena
Join us for a unique two-day programme in Narvik, 4–5 November, celebrating the official launch of the Arctic Test Arena – a Norwegian–Swedish initiative for testing and developing railway technology in extreme Arctic conditions.
Over two days you will experience a technical train journey along Ofotbanen and Malmbanan, gain first-hand insights into test activities, and take part in a dedicated seminar and laboratory visit at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway. This is a unique opportunity to share knowledge, reflect on lessons learned, and strengthen European collaboration for the railway of the future.
Official European Launch
Why You Should Attend?
- Join the Arctic Innovation Train Journey along Ofotbanen and Malmbanan with live demonstrations.
- Take part in an exclusive seminar and lab visit at UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
- Share insights on innovation, testing, and collaboration across Europe’s rail sector.
Cross-border collaboration is essential to address climate challenges, digitalisation, and resilient infrastructure.
The event is free of charge.
Programme 4–5 November
Day 1 – Tuesday 4 November: Artic Innovation Train Journey – Narvik–Abisko–Narvik
08.45–09.00: Official Opening Ceremony – Narvik Station (with key partners)
- Marit Rønning – Acting Director General, Jernbanedirektoratet
- Sébastien Denis – Senior Program Manager, Europe’s Rail JU
- Thor Brækkan – Regional Director North, Bane NOR
- Anders Aabakken – Head of Technology & Environment, Trafikverket
- Bjørn Reidar Sørensen – Dean, The Arctic University of Norway (UiT)
- Veronica Jägare – Director JVTC, Luleå University of Technology (LTU)
- Bjørn Skjold Iversen – Vice President, SINTEF
09.00–14.00: Arctic Innovation Train Journey – Demonstrations & Field Presentations at selected stops
- About the Arctic Test Arena – Ann Kristin Bjerknes, Project Leader, Jernbanedirektoratet
- Historical background – Ofotbanen and Malmbanan – Thor Brækkan, Regional Director North, Bane NOR
- Europe’s Rail Søsterbekk Instrumentation & Structural Monitoring – Preben Sæthre Program Manager and Stefano Derosa, Project Leader IAM4RAIL Europe’s Rail Norway/Jernbanedirektoratet, and Rune Nilsen, Research Leader SINTEF Narvik
- Snow, Ice & Winter Resilience – Per Arne Sundsbø Dr. Ing., UiT
- Research and test activities in Sweden – Veronica Jägare, Director, JVTC/LTU
- Fiber Sensing (DAS), Measurement of magnetic fields, and Availability simulations (RAMS) – Matti Rantatalo, professor, LTU
- Digital Condition Monitoring from Trains – Björn Dellås, Senior Advisor, Trafikverket
- Heavy Trains – 32.5 t Axle Load Testing Tor Gunnar Pedersen, Project Manager, Bane NOR
- Hydronic Heating for Switches – Bane NOR
A light lunch will be served on board.
18.30–21.30: Networking Dinner – UiT Narvik
Day 2 – Wednesday 5 November: Arctic Innovation Seminar – UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Narvik
09.00–09.10: Welcome to Arctic Test Arena Seminar and UiT
- Bjørn Reidar Sørensen, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology, UiT
09.10–10.00: Derailment on Malmbanan 2023 – Lessons for Safety & Resilience
- Malin Syk – Head of Track Systems, Trafikverket
- Jan Lundgren – Head of Strategy Logistics, LKAB
- Peter Melander – Sr. VP Business Development, Railway Metrics & Dynamics
- Wolfgang Birk – CTO & Professor, Predge
- Dan Larsson – CEO, DAMILL AB
- Veronica Jägare – Director, JVTC/LTU (Panel Moderator)
10.15–11.15: Research and test activities – ongoing and potential
- Testing on Ofotbanen – Svetlana Lorentzen, Track Engineer, Bane NOR
- Mining and Civil Engineering Lab and bridge research at LTU, Lennart Elfgren, Senior Professor, LTU
- BIM, Rail Data Space & C-DAS Isabelle Tardy, Project Leader Motional, EU Rail Norway
- AI Factory for Railway –Ramin Karim, Professor and Head of Subject, LTU
- Research Infrastructure of National Significance – Rune Nilsen, Research Leader, SINTEF
- Fiber Infrastructure – Rune Brannfjell, Head of Operational Support, Bane NOR
11.30–12.00: Arctic Test Arena: Ambition and collaboration
- Ann Kristin Bjerknes – Project Leader Arctic Test Arena, Jernbanedirektoratet
- Björn Dellås – Senior Advisor, Trafikverket
- Rune Brannfjell – Head of Operational Support, Bane NOR
- Rune Nilsen – Research Leader, SINTEF Narvik
- Leif-Gunnar Hanssen – Project Manager, UiT
- Veronica Jägare – Director JVTC/LTU
- Preben Sæthre, Program Leader Europe’s Rail Norway, Jernbanedirektoratet
12.00–12.30: Lab Visit – UiT Rail Technology Labs
- Concrete & Aggregates – Boy-Arne Persson-Buyle, UiT
- Industrial Technology Lab – Ståle Herving, UiT
- 3D Print / XR / Drone – UiT
12.30–13.00: Lunch UiT
The event is hosted by
Contact the project manager
